Worcester simply smitten with its manager

Sunday

Jun 29, 2014 at 6:00 AM

By Dianne Williamson

The city of Worcester has never exactly distinguished itself when promoting its charms in print.

Whether we're coining a vapid city slogan ("Wake up to Worcester!") or hawking our questionable attractions as a destination city, we typically come off like that insecure dork on Match.com, who women would date only if guaranteed the $46.99 20-ounce prime sirloin at One Eleven Chop House with at least two sides. Even then, Worcester would never be invited in later for a nightcap.

One of my personal favorite documents was the city's dubious marketing plan of 1996, which called for a promotional campaign for an airport that, at the time, had no planes. It also contained this memorably awkward sentence: "Entertainment is one way Worcester likes to relax." Ha! As opposed to what? Water boarding?

So it should come as no surprise that the city has once again embarrassed itself while allegedly searching for a new city manager. I say "allegedly" because no one wants the current manager, Ed Augustus, to step down, as he's "excelled in his commitment to the city," according to the latest citizen group begging him to stay beyond his stated departure in October.

It's quite remarkable, really, how much the city adores Augustus and wants him to be the permanent manager. I mean, this guy can't slip behind the wheel of his car without someone jumping from the glove compartment and urging him to stay, and now a group called AWARE has an online petition practically demanding that he remain, or else.

"Ed is a man of great character, morality and integrity," the petition reads. "So it is doubtful that he will voluntarily (italics mine) change his previous answer from a 'no' to a 'yes' regarding staying on as City Manager ... However, before it's too late, we must collectively convince him to change his mind ..."

That sounds like a threat, and it's probably only a matter of time before Augustus is forced to file for a restraining order or perhaps remind these citizen groups that no means no, unless they plan to either ply him with cocktails or make him an offer he can't refuse.

In the meantime, the city has grudgingly moved forward in its city manager search and the job has been advertised in various publications and trade journals. But, as first noted by eagle-eyed local blogger Nicole Apostola, the sloppy, unpolished ad was riddled with grammatical errors and strongly indicated that city leaders, as a whole, possess the literary skills of Jodie Foster in Nell.

As for the required characteristics of applicants, the ad said this: "Checks ego at the door — gives credit to Council — promotes Council policy." Nicole quipped on her blog, "Because if there was one thing we heard over and over again at the City Manager Listening Sessions, was that we really need to find a city manager who gives credit to the City Council."

Last week, the ad was removed online, cleaned up and re-posted. I spoke to Randi Frank, the search consultant hired by the city, and she said that "different people wanted to edit" it.

"It's their product and they can do what they want to do with it," she said.

I also spoke to Augustus, who said he loves serving as city manager but still plans to return to his post at the College of the Holy Cross in October. I'm thinking that Augustus is leaving mainly because he said he would, and he values his reputation.

"I'm supportive of the search and hope they find the right person for the job,'" he said. "I'm appreciative of the support in the community, but also supportive that the search continues."

But the city's been dating Augustus and likes what it sees. So if it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, why can't it also be a man's?